Summit, New Jersey
Tap Water Quality Report
The Verdict
Summit received a grade of D-/Subpar. This grade reflects elevated levels of PFAS contaminants that exceed EPA future limits. While heavy metals and other contaminants remain within acceptable ranges, the PFAS levels is a concern.
Disclaimer: The Town Water Check grading system is our opinion, based on measured contaminant levels as well as the known effects on long-term human health. Others may reach a different conclusion. For the most current information, please consult your water provider or municipality.
The Good News
Summit's water shows several positive qualities:
- Biological and radiological contaminants are within EPA limits
- Pesticides are within EPA limits
- Disinfecting byproducts are within EPA limits
Water Source: Summit receives all water from the Short Hills system. This system sources water from the Passaic River, Canoe Brook, the Brunswick Aquifer, glacial deposits, and purchased supplies.
Reeves Reed Arboretum - Summit's beautiful botanical garden
Heavy Metals Analysis
Heavy metals can enter drinking water through old pipes, natural deposits, or industrial contamination. These substances accumulate in the body over time and can cause serious health issues.
Summit's Heavy Metals Analysis:
Mercury and Cadmium were not detected in Summit's water. Lead measured at 10% of EPA limits, Arsenic at 20%, and Chromium at 1% of EPA limits. While all heavy metal levels remain within EPA limits, it's important to note that for Lead and Arsenic, the only truly safe level is zero.
PFAS Analysis ("Forever Chemicals")
PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) are synthetic chemicals that resist breaking down in the environment or the human body. Their strong carbon-fluorine bonds make them persistent contaminants.
Summit's PFAS Analysis:
Summit exceeded EPA future limits for PFAS contaminants. These elevated PFAS levels were a key contributing factor to Summit's D- grade. While these limits are not yet legally enforceable, they represent the EPA's latest health-based standards and are used consistently across our analysis. These "forever chemicals" require attention and filtration for optimal water quality.
Other Contaminants
Beyond heavy metals and PFAS, water quality testing examines various other substances including disinfection byproducts, minerals, and industrial chemicals.
Summit's water showed no other significant contaminant issues beyond the PFAS concerns noted above.
Understanding Our Grading System
Water is nature's masterpiece—essential, life-giving, and deserving of the highest standards. Our grading system treats water quality with the reverence it deserves, similar to how art experts evaluate priceless paintings.
Just as restoring a masterpiece requires addressing every imperfection, achieving excellent water quality means minimizing all contaminants. Multiple contaminants, even at low levels, can combine to affect the overall grade.
Water Filter Recommendations
Given Summit's PFAS levels, we recommend considering a Reverse Osmosis (RO) filtration system. RO systems are highly effective at removing PFAS, heavy metals, and many other contaminants.
Note: While carbon block filters can help with some contaminants, Reverse Osmosis systems provide more comprehensive filtration for PFAS and other persistent chemicals.
Regional Water Quality Comparison
Water quality can vary significantly between neighboring municipalities based on water sources, treatment methods, and infrastructure age. Understanding your local water quality in context helps inform decisions about filtration and water usage.
Summit, New Jersey
Summit City Hall
Final Thoughts
We hope that our tap water information has proven helpful.
Notes:
- For the latest tap water information, check with your water provider or municipality.
- The influence of contaminants on health relates to chronic, long-term, not acute or immediate effects. We make no claims, positive or negative, regarding tap water safety.
- Sampled tap water data tends to be more conservative than the average glass of tap water, often citing the 9th worst of 10 samples.
- The information contained in this report may not reflect the views of our advisors.
- Please contact Town Water Check if you feel we have made an error.
- For purposes of consistency, we use EPA limits throughout this report, not state or local limits.
Town Water Check wishes you a healthy and informed life and a cleaner, more beautiful planet.